Fall Prep for Your Pond - Why September is the Best Month to Get Ready for Winter
illi News/10312694

CHICAGO - illiNews -- As leaves begin to drop and temperatures trend downward, Midwest Pond Features & Landscape is urging Chicagoland homeowners to prepare their ponds now before autumn debris and early frosts create headaches that linger into spring.

"September is the sweet spot," said Sulaiman Imam, owner of Midwest Pond Features & Landscape. "The water's still warm enough to work safely, plants haven't fully senesced, and your filtration is at peak performance. A few smart steps now can prevent clogged skimmers, fish stress, and expensive winter damage."

The Must-Do September Pond Prep Checklist

• Install a leaf net before heavy fall color. Keep nets tight and elevated so leaves dry and blow off instead of sagging into the water.
  
  
• Clean skimmers and check filter media. Rinse or replace pads and confirm proper flow; a strong skimmer line keeps surface debris from sinking.
  
  More on illi News
  • The AI CEO Partners with D3 Hockey News to Elevate the Voice of Division III Hockey Nationwide
  • Statement from the Campaign of Theodis Daniel, Republican for U.S. Congress (TX-18)
  • Divine Punk Announces Happy Christmas, a Holiday Soundscape by Rebecca Noelle
  • $430 Million 2026 Revenue Forecast; 26% Organic Growth; $500,000 Stock Dividend Highlight a Powerful AI & Digital Transformation Story: IQSTEL $IQST
  • Wzzph Deploys 5-Million-TPS Trading Engine with Hot-Cold Wallet Architecture Serving 500,000 Active Users Across Latin America
  
  
• Inspect pumps, fittings, and plumbing. Look for reduced flow, vibrations, or air leaks; clean impellers and confirm your backup plan if a pump fails in a freeze.
  
  
• Stabilize water quality. Test pH, KH/alkalinity, and ammonia; perform a partial water change if needed and dose beneficial bacteria per label.
  
  
• Prune and thin aquatic plants. Cut back lilies and marginals to reduce die-off that fuels winter nutrient spikes.
  
  
• Adjust fish feeding. As water temps dip to ~60°F (15–16°C), switch to an easy-to-digest, wheat-germ blend; stop feeding near 50°F (10°C) when fish metabolism slows.
  
  
• Confirm aeration and de-icer placement. Move air stones to a shallower shelf (not the deepest point) and test de-icers so a gas-exchange hole is maintained in ice.
  
  
• Tighten rockwork and edge treatments. Re-set loose stones, check liner edges, and correct low spots that can cause winter leaks.
  
  More on illi News
  • Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center and Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon Dominate Raleigh's Best Awards from The News & Observer
  • $73.6 Million Multi-Year Backlog and Florida State Term Contract Drive Momentum for AI-Cybersecurity Pioneer: Cycurion, Inc. (N A S D A Q: CYCU) $CYCU
  • Year-Round Deals for Customers With Square Signs
  • SecurePII Raises US$3.5M (A$5M) to Unlock AI and Compliance for Voice Data and Expands Global Presence
  • The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast Celebrates Six Years, Nears One Million Downloads Globally
  
  
• Evaluate lighting and safety. Aim fixtures away from leaves and ensure cords and transformers are protected from moisture.

To schedule: (630) 407-1415 • hello@midwestpondfeatures.com • https://midwestpondfeatures.com

About Midwest Pond Features & Landscape

Midwest Pond Features & Landscape designs, builds, and maintains ecosystem ponds, pondless waterfalls, and decorative fountains across the greater Chicago area. Based in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the company specializes in naturalistic water features, seasonal cleanouts, and repair services that keep backyards beautiful year-round.

Media Contact
Midwest Pond Features & Landscape
(630) 407-1415
hello@midwestpondfeatures.com
midwestpondfeatures.com